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New pasteurella vaccine protects spring, fall calvesMerial, Duluth, Ga., introduces RESPISHIELD HM, an option for producers looking to vaccinate cattle agains two major bacterial pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The two major bacterial pathogens associated with BRD are Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. These pathogens have been documented to be present in nearly 75 percent of all diagnosed BRD cases; however, a study suggests that the frequency of Pasteurella multocida is increasing. RESPISHIELD HM can be used on cattle of any age, which can be especially useful in the fall when producers could have both spring and fall calves on the ground. BRD is traditionally recognized as affecting cattle in the feedyard; however, it also can affect the performance of cattle on pasture. A study of grazing stocker cattle found losses from BRD to be significant in both breeding and feeder cattle. Heifers that required two or more antibiotic treatments for BRD had a conception rate 19 percent lower than healthy heifers. In the same experiment, male calves with BRD-based losses had decreased net returns of 9.7 percent to 21.3 percent per animal. Curt Newlin, a stocker producer from Burlington, Okla., says RESPISHIELD HM helps him protect his cattle from this costly disease and gives him peace of mind. "I run several stockers each year, and I have to count on other people to take care of them, so it's important that I can trust that the cattle will not get sick," Newlin says. "I started using RESPISHIELD HM as part of my incoming processing routine to help cut down on sickness in the first couple of weeks after cattle arrive." Winter weather can dramatically increase the stress factor that contributes to BRD, but unfortunately, this is one stressor producers can't avoid. That is why producers need to be sure they are protecting cattle, and their bottom lines, against the other factors that contribute to BRD. The results can help producers and cattle be more efficient. Newlin says RESPISHIELD HM helped him to cut down on pulls, chronics and death loss. "I think it has helped cut down on death loss by half a percent, and chronics by a whole percent. Both numbers are significant when you consider the price of cattle and inputs right now," Newlin explained. For more information, call a local animal health representative, or visit www.merial.com. 11/10/08 Date: 11/2/08
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